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Public tours of Yaddo will be available in September for only the sixth time since it became an artists' retreat in 1926.

Yaddo's founders, Spencer and Katrina Trask, left their mansion and 400-acre property as a place where creative individuals could work undisturbed. Only Yaddo Gardens are open to the public. The rest of the space is off limits except for the 200-plus artists who are invited each year to spend two weeks to two months at Yaddo.

This year's public tours will be the first since 2011.

Two-hour tours cost $50 and will be offered at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. on Sept. 21. Yaddo President Elaina Richardson will host a $250 deluxe tour and cocktail reception for 50 guests from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 20.

All tours include the first two floors of the 55-room, 1893 Yaddo Mansion; the first floor of West House, the second largest residence on the estate; some artist studios; and a burial ground.

Among the highlights are stained-glass windows and a Tiffany fireplace mosaic in the 45,000-square-foot mansion, which is decorated primarily with the home's original artwork and furniture.

The deluxe tour will feature additional stops, including the Yaddo Authors' Library.

Proceeds from the tours will support Yaddo's artist residency program and repairs to structures in Yaddo Gardens.

Admission is by advance sale only at www.yaddo.org until 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Tours will be held rain or shine and involve a lot of walking and several flights of stairs.